Laila Ali Joins thinkThin® to Support Children at Wellness Day Event

thinkThin®CEO and founder Lizanne Falsetto stands with her children and fitness icon Laila Ali at the press conference.

Last Saturday, hundreds of children and parents from all walks of life with diabetes, gluten sensitivities, or obesity participated in the First Annual thinkThin® Wellness Day and ‘Let’s Move’ March which included a free outdoor food tasting trail, a fun lesson of First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” dance, and a march to the local Whole Foods Market® just down the street for more free goodies. Udi’s Gluten Free Foods and other food vendors provided delicious, gourmet delights. In addition, dozens of parents and children from Casa Esperanza, a community center serving lower-income families in Panorama City, were caravanned to Beverly Hills for red carpet treatment at the event.

“In a time when childhood obesity and diseases are at an all time high, we are doing something positive for our community and supporting First Lady Michelle Obama’s ‘Let’s Move’ campaign locally,” says Lizanne Falsetto, CEO of thinkThin® protein bars and organizer of the First Annual thinkThin® Wellness Day and “Let’s Move” March.

Children enjoyed healthy gluten free snacks at the sunny California event.

According to the latest report from the White House Task Force on Child Obesity, childhood obesity rates in America have tripled, and today, nearly one in three children in America are overweight. The numbers are even higher in African American and Hispanic communities, where nearly 40% are overweight. Laila Ali, youngest daughter of the legendary Muhammad Ali and Veronica Porsche Anderson, spoke at the event. A mother, athlete and champion of health and fitness, Laila is also the founder of Laila Ali Lifestyle brand.

“Sadly, my kids’ generation is the first to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents,” said Ali. “I want my kids to live long, healthy lives. That’s why I do my best to keep them active and provide them with healthy food choices. As parents, we have to take control of our children’s well being to make sure they thrive and live the best quality of life possible. We are proud to join the First Annual thinkThin® Wellness Day and “Let’s Move” March.”

Laila Ali marches with the children to Whole Foods for a healthy snack.

Kids and parents at the event ended the day’s active schedule with a private screening of Twentieth Century Fox’s Rio in 3D in the RealD’s cutting edge 3D theatre. Participating food vendors included thinkThin®, Whole Foods Market® Beverly Hills, Udi’s Gluten Free Foods, Aunt Gussie’s Gluten Free Cookies, Maine Root organic root beer, Breakaway Bakery and Pam MacD’s Gluten Free Market.